GS10

Student learning objectives: Minerals

1.  Understand the organization of an atom with respect to protons, neutrons, and electrons.  Define   

each of the following:

            a.  element e.  compound

            b.  ion f.  atom

            c.  atomic mass (weight)                        g.  molecule

            d.  atomic number                                  

2.   Explain how ionic bonds and covalent bonds differ from one another.

3.   Be able to list three reasons why society needs or cares about minerals

4.   List in order the three most abundant elements that make up the continental crust.

5.  Describe what is meant by the properties of a mineral and be able to list several different types of physical properties

6.  Understand what is meant by a mineral having a fixed composition vs. a solid solution.  Give an  

example of each.

7. What is a Polymorph?

8.   Describe the silicate tetrahedron (silicon‑oxygen tetrahedron) and understand how it bonds with other tetrahedron or cations to neutralize the negative charge it has on it.

9   What type of atomic bonding is responsible for creating cleavage in minerals?

10.  Define "chalcedony" and give examples of microcrystalline quartz.  How do they differ from

crystalline quartz? 

11.  What is the difference between fracture and cleavage in a mineral

12.  Explain the difference between a rock, a mineral and an element and use each term in the proper context when using them in explanations of geological processes.